Samvara

Samvara is a Jain concept describing the deliberate prevention of karmic influx into the soul. Etymology derives from Sanskrit, meaning to prevent or bind. In Jain karmic theory, the soul accumulates karma through thoughts, speech, and actions, which attach as karmic particles. Samvara refers to practices that hinder new karmic attachments, thereby slowing or stopping karmic growth. It is one half of the twofold process of karma; the other half, nirjara, is the shedding of karmas already bound to the soul.

Practically, samvara is achieved by ethical conduct and self-discipline. For lay Jains, this includes adherence to the five great vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha) as well as the practice of regular meditation (samayika), fasting, and controlled behavior. Monastics undertake more stringent restraints (mahavratas) as part of their samvara. Jain literature presents samvara as a mechanism to reduce karmic inflow by restraining passions such as anger, greed, and attachment, while cultivating right belief, knowledge, and conduct.

In the broader Jain soteriological framework, samvara and nirjara together explain how a soul can accumulate karmas and ultimately attain liberation (moksha). The concept is discussed across Jain scriptures and commentaries and remains central to both ascetic and lay practices.